Cat urges support for infrastructure bill

Caterpillar Inc. is urging Congress to work with the Obama administration on an infrastructure bill to help keep U.S. business globally competitive.

PAUL GORDON

Caterpillar Inc. on Friday urged Congress to work with the Obama administration on an infrastructure bill that would help keep U.S. business globally competitive.

Noting President Obama’s call on Labor Day for increased investment in the country’s infrastructure through a multi-year national highway bill and its importance to the nation’s employment base and economy, Caterpillar said bipartisan support should be given such a bill that would improve highways, ports, airports, railways and infrastructure.

“Every week as I talk with our customers around the country, I hear from them that a long-term, multi-year highway bill for the United States is the fastest way to get more construction workers back on job sites,” said Caterpillar CEO Doug Oberhelman in a news release.

“In addition, as a nation we are at risk of falling behind other countries who have made aggressive investments in infrastructure improvements in recent years, putting companies like Caterpillar at a competitive disadvantage,” Oberhelman said.

Caterpillar would benefit from work on the nation’s infrastructure from not only a competitive and economic standpoint, but because it is the world’s leading construction equipment manufacturer.

“We know there are still many details and specifics to be worked out; however, it is our hope that the Administration and Congress will come together and work toward a solution to improve our aging infrastructure,” Oberhelman added.